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[Qaeng]

The outer lens/ focusing ring on a Semi-Leotax I just acquired on auction is frozen in place.  I had this same condition on one I bought 7 months ago and I actually cracked a lens by torquing too hard on it.  As I recall, no solvent that I tried had don

[Adrian]

Try searching the forum for Isolette - there are a number of threads asking about what seems to be a similar problem with these beasties. They will give you a better idea of your options than any other advice I can offer.  
 
Adrian

[Shutterbug2]

i,ve had 2 camera,s with same problem in past  exakta, ricolet. both were frozen solid. luckily with very firm grip and persistance working them so little back and forth they loosened up nicely. i,ve also put camera on it,s back and put just sma

[Qaeng]

Thanks for your advice.  I'll give these a try and any others that may still get posted.

[John_scott]

I agree that using heat is the best way to soften old grease. If possible, I would take the whole shutter-lens assembly off of the camera. There may be many ways of applying heat, but the key is that it is heated slowly and evenly. I use a normal oven

[Realityguy]

I've run into similar problems with just about every Agfa Isolette old folder I've ever bought.As someone said before,take off the knurled focus ring and try to get some oil(acetone with a small brush in the down position below) into the grease but